The Lord's church as a whole is soft on rebuking sin and error. "Political correctness" has run amok in many places, and it is hard to get Christians to appreciate the need for open debates, confronting error, withdrawing from the erring, and the like. Some think it is out of place in the life of a Christian. I wonder if this is the attitude we find in the New Testament? Did Jesus ever confront error? Did people get mad at the Lord? What about the apostles? Let us study the New Testament and see what attitude we should have when confronting sin and error.

The Attitude of Jesus Christ

Jesus left us an example to follow (1 Pet. 2:21-22). While upon this earth, no man preached as He did. No man taught with the authority He had (Matt. 7:28-29). Jesus certainly showed compassion for all people. He healed people on many occasions (Matt. 20:29-34; Luke 7:13). Jesus also spoke to people to whom many would not speak (John 4; etc.). Even after Jesus drove out the money-changers, notice His attitude. He cried, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Matt. 23:37).

Though compassionate, Jesus did not shy away from controversy. Please read Matthew 15:1-9 and learn that Jesus had absolutely no problem rebuking and refuting error. The Apostles told Jesus that the Pharisees "were offended" at His words (v. 12). Let us take note of Jesus' answer. He was not worried about popularity or position. He told them, "Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch" (Matt. 15:13-14). Let us learn to be like Jesus and not apologize for the truth! 

The Attitude of Peter

Peter stands out as one of the outstanding apostles. He had a part in the preaching on the day of Pentecost where almost 3,000 were saved after hearing the word preached (Acts 2:1-41). His sermon is recorded in Acts 2:22-36. God also saw fit to record "the boldness of Peter and John" in Acts 4:13 as they stood and declared Jesus to a people who did not want to hear them (Acts 4:18-20). I wonder if we would have the courage to stand in the face of the government (or anyone else) and declare the truth of God to those did not want to hear it!

Acts 5:24-29 is another occasion where Peter stood for the truth. Remember, the angel had just released him from prison (v. 17-20). He then stood before the Sanhedrin who had threatened him, and said, "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). He did not stop there, though. He went on to preach the very thing that could have resulted in his imprisonment or death (Acts 5:30-34). Peter was not afraid to stand for the truth. Are we willing to stand for the truth as Peter did?

Peter was bold enough to go to the Gentiles and to teach them the truth (Acts 10:1-11:18). This took great courage. He told Cornelius, "Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation" (Acts 10:28). Yet, God had shown him that no man was to be called common or unclean! We find as a result of his bold stand that some contended with him (Acts 11:2-3). After he explained fully what had happened, they realized, "Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life" (Acts 11:18). Let us be as bold as Peter! This is a great example to all of us.

The Attitude of Paul

After his conversion, Paul wasted no time in stirring the people up unto righteousness (Acts 9:19-25). Paul was no stranger to controversy, and he did not back down from the false teachers of his day (Acts 17:3-4). Why did these people say that Paul, Silas, and others "turned the world upside down" (Acts 17:6)? Was this said because they did something evil? Did they say it because Paul, Silas, and others simply wanted to pick a fight? No, these things were said because they preached the truth and did not back down!

In Acts 17:16-21, Paul was sent to Athens and waited for Silas and Timothy. The text reveals that Paul was sent ahead because there were people who were trying to kill Paul because of his teaching. Paul entered Athens and wasted no time in stirring up the people to righteousness (v. 17). Please read Paul's sermon on Mars' hill (Acts 17:22-34). The results were the same then as they are today. "Some mocked" (v. 33), while others said, "we will hear thee again on this matter" (v. 33). At the same time, we see some who believed and wanted to hear more (v. 34). How sad it is to see people backing away from God's truth in order to compromise with sin and error! Let us strive to be like Paul, and turn the world upside down!

The Attitude of Other Apostles and Disciples

In addition to Jesus, Peter, and Paul, the apostle John stands out as one who had the right attitude. John accompanied Peter on his journeys often. This apostle went with Peter to lay hands on the Samaritans and preach the truth to them (Acts 8:14-17). John was also with Peter and stood boldly against the governing authorities when they were told not to teach or preach Jesus to the people (Acts 4:18-20).

Barnabas also accompanied Paul on many journeys, and certainly was no stranger to controversy! Barnabas was with Paul while he was still called Saul (Acts 12:25)! Barnabas then was with Paul, who "waxed bold" in the teaching of God's word. Barnabas also stood against those Jews who blasphemed God and spoke against Paul (Acts 13:46-49).

Silas was present when Paul cast out the demon that possessed the girl in Acts 16. He also suffered in prison with Paul (Acts 16:22-25). He helped the Philippian jailer to learn what he had to do to be saved (Acts 16:30-34). Silas was also named with Paul as one who "turned the world upside down" (Acts 17:1-6). What great examples for us to follow!

Conclusion

Let us all pray to God that we can be as the disciples of Acts 4. Let us pray that God will, "grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word" (Acts 4:29). Let us be busy in proclaiming God's word to people who need to hear it! Paul wrote, "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Tim. 4:1-2). Please pray that we will never forget this charge!

- The Old Paths, 7/8/18